Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C from Participants of a Public Information Day in Germany.

Background: At the University Hospital Regensburg, locals, on a regular basis, are offered to participate in a "public-liver-information-day". People are informed about viral hepatitis and are asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire.

Methods: We gathered information on different parameters of the patient history, such as origin, age, elevated liver enzymes, and supposed presence of a viral hepatitis infection. Furthermore, blood tests were taken for anti-HBc and anti-HCV serologic markers. The aim of the study was to compare the serological findings with the data provided from the questionnaire.

Results: Fifty-nine percent of the persons present were retired, so we could not address a representative population for viral hepatitis infection. Nevertheless 7.6% of the attending people had positive anti-HBc markers and 1.1% tested positive for anti-HCV. These findings correlate well with the supposed high number of unreported cases of viral hepatitis infection in Germany.

Conclusions: This data emphasizes that even in older people and senior citizens chronic hepatitis B and C infection is common, and persons of risk should be tested.